Efficacies of phytofabricated nanoparticles in assuaging accelerated ageing foisted deteriorations via directing oxidative window, gene expression, and restitution of hormonal balance

Ageing signifies the imbalanced redox homeostasis with major tilt towards excessive build-up of active oxygen species (AOS), and reduced efficacy of antioxidative defense. Aggravated production of AOS instigates oxidative damages to the macromolecules, resulting in metabolic dysfunction and loss of quality of seeds, affecting germination and stand establishment thereby yield. Studies regarding seed rejuvenation mediated by nanoparticles (NPs) is still in its developing state. Nanoparticles are minuscule (1 to 100 nm) powerful particles, with high surface area, and instantaneous reactivity, contribute to improve seed quality thereby crop yield. Aiming to promote sustainable nano-agriculture, biocompatible silver (Ag), and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs, have been fabricated using fruit juice of Citrus lemon to revitalize accelerated aged (AA) seeds of Cajanus cajan , a protein rich pulse crop. Supplementation of both the NPs (0.5%, v/v), separately, regulated the AOS accrual in AA seeds, enhanced α-amylase activity and total sugar content consequently fuelled germinating seeds. Meantime, alterations in the AOS levels contributed to hormonal signaling consequently augmented gibberellic acid (GA) level in NP amended AA seeds. Modulation in the antioxidants, aquaporins and cell cycle genes suggested their important roles in managing AOS levels, water uptake, and cell division, respectively, and contributed enhanced germination of NP added AA seeds. Comparatively, supplementation of green ZnONP was found to pose more profound impact on the redox regulation of AA seeds, hence; improvement in germination attributes.